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Town and former municipality in Groningen, Netherlands
Photo: Esther Westerveld from Haarlemmermeer, Nederland, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Westerkwartier is a region and municipality in the west of the province of Groningen, in the Netherlands. The northern part, around the town of Zuidhorn, consists mainly of a marsh landscape with wierden (artificial dwelling mounds). This area is also known under the name Middag-Humsterland, and under that name designated a 'National Landscape'. The southern part, around the town of Leek, is characterised by its bocage landscape.
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Nationaal Rijtuigmuseum
Historic manor house with beautiful gardens and the Dutch national carriage museum with a wide range of carriages and sleighs.
Sint Bernardushof
Museum on the monastery of the Cistercian Order that was here in Aduard. The museum is in a 16th-century house and the 13th-century infirmary of the monastery.
Museum on the famous Dutch 17th-century seafarer, explorer, and merchant that was born here. Abel Tasman was the first European to reach Tasmania, New Zealand, and Fiji. The collection includes old nautical charts, books, and art from the islands that Abel Tasman visited.
Iwema-steenhuis
In a fortified villa building from around 1400 AD, with a small museum on old crafts including the baking craft.
Monument and museum on the Jewish history of Leek, in a very small old school building.
In the former headquarters building of LEGO Netherlands, a museum on the Danish plastic brick toy. To see and to play.
12th century church with a mausoleum
Family theme park with large playground, petting zoo, and large model train park.
Het Blotevoetenpad, The Barefoot Path
A short walking trail of about 3 km designed to walk barefeet. While underway you will have to climb, hang and especially walk over paths, bridges and obstacles.
Canoe and kayak rental for paddling around the Westerkwartier canals and the Leekstermeer lake.
Sailing boat, canoe, kayak, and surfboard rental, and sailing courses, at the Leekstermeer lake.
'World restaurant' with all-you-can-eat concept.
Mediterranean restaurant in Grootegast's town centre, operated by an Egyptian owner.
Traditional Dutch pancakes
Hamsterborg
A borg (manor house) that is now in use as a restaurant. There are also apartments and rooms to stay overnight.
Coffee, tea, cake, and homemade local pastries. Terrace with windmill view.
Theetuin De Kleine Zanden
Coffee and tea garden near the 'barefeet path' (see Hiking above).
Traditional Dutch pub ('brown café') in Leek's town centre.
Bar and restaurant, with regular events (theme parties).
Campsite within the Nienoord estate
Campsite with indoor swimming pool, recommended for families with teenagers
Campsite and rental cottages
Campsite at the Lettelberterdiep canal, near the Leekstermeer lake
Campsite along the shores of the Leekstermeer lake
By train
Only the northern part of the Westerkwartier region can be accessed by train.80). The trains are operated by Arriva. From other parts of the Netherlands, transfer at Groningen station.
By bus
Local bus operator Qbuzz operates bus routes from the city of Groningen to virtually every village in the Westerkwartier region.
By bicycle
There are many bicycle routes leading into the Westerkwartier region.
The fastest way to get around in the Westerkwartier region is by car.
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Groningen · International · GRQ
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